It’s back-to-school season and a great time to give your family computer a security overhaul. Educating your children to practice safe computing may be hard since continuous monitoring is required.

With data dreaches and hacking occuring more often than ever, it's important to pay more attention to our online security's well-being.

Here’s a checklist to get you started:

Check antivirus programs on your computers: As always, use a current antivirus program. Now is the time to do an in-depth scan, at the beginning of the school year. To ensure that your computer is protected from any malware, please download Ad-Aware 11.3 here.

Upgrade any outdated programs: Old software is a primary vector for viruses. Make sure that your computer has all recent system and software updates. Remember, if you’re still using Windows XP, you must be even more vigilant because you no longer can get updates from Microsoft. Try to upgrade if possible.

Change your passwords: Use lengthy passwords that are unique on every site, with a good mix of letters, numbers and symbols. The best way to create strong passwords is with the random generator provided with many password management tools.

Set up parental controls: Whether or not you wish to restrict your child’s Internet usage, parental controls work well for logging computer use. Most modern computers come with built-in parental controls, or try a third-party solution. You can now have Parental Control installed on your computer with Ad-Aware Total Security. To upgrade now, please click here

Clean up social media: Fake friends and spam accounts abound on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Go through your list and weed them out. While you’re at it, check your app permissions. Apps should have minimal access to your information and accounts. If there are apps you’re no longer using, delete them. Finally, check your default posting permissions. You should always post to Friends, never to Public.

Clean out mobile devices: Your tablet and smartphone can harbor bad apps that siphon your data and carry malware that infects your computer. Remove any apps you’re not using and review permissions for the rest. Update your device’s software, and use a PIN to restrict access. Don’t forget antivirus software for your mobile devices.

Cover cameras: Cybercriminals blackmail kids (and adults too!) by installing malware on their computers and recording them without their knowledge. Cameras on mobile devices and gaming consoles should be detached or covered with a small piece of tape or paper when not in use. And get those cameras out of your kids’ bedrooms.

Source: Triona Guidry - Northwest Herald